An STD test will help the physician diagnose your current symptoms so that you can be properly treated early on, and in some instances, reverse or reduce the ramifications of the infection. However, STDs are serious, even when left alone, as untreated STDs can also have serious lifelong consequences that compromise your overall health and quality of life. When you first begin to feel the itching, burning, soreness, and discomfort that usually come with a STD, go to your doctor. Here is what you should expect to find out.
Most doctors recommend routine annual screening for the highest risk groups, including women, men, and children. However, there are certain circumstances under which an STD can occur and the proper treatment can be delayed until it is too late. For example, most people do not know that they are infected with HPV until they start experiencing the common symptoms such as genital warts and perianal ulcers. Therefore, there may be instances when a person has had intercourse with multiple sexual partners, and does not get tested until several years later. This is why many doctors recommend that all new partners be tested annually; to detect any potential infections that the previous partner may have carried.
For those who do not have access to a primary care doctor, there are other STD testing options available. One of these options is to visit a gynecologist, which is a professional who deals with female reproductive issues. Many STD tests are performed at the gynecologist, including Pap smears and pelvic exams. If your doctor feels that you need an STD test, he or she will likely refer you to a medical specialist, such as a gynecologist.
There are also std test kit available that can detect diseases that can develop over time without symptoms. These blood tests can identify parasites, folliculitis, and chlamydia among other STD’s. For those with a more definitive answer, a visit to the gynecologist or STD testing center may be required. Either way, you should expect to pay close attention to any symptoms that you experience, and seek immediate treatment if necessary.
Many STDs include symptoms that mirror pregnancy. Therefore, it is important that you become familiar with your own body during your monthly cycle, to make sure you have had any type of partners in the past that have been re-tested for STDs. In addition to regular Pap smears, your gynecologist may also request a Pap smear for those who have never had one before. During this procedure, doctors look for changes in the outer layer of your cervix that may be a possible sign of cervical cancer. Similarly, if a new partner has been added to your household, you should get tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea to protect yourself and your new partner from these potentially serious STDs.
If you have any questions regarding your health or symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. They can perform a simple STD test to let you know if treatment is necessary. Because the prevalence of STDs continues to rise, it is important that all adults receive regular checkups to monitor their health. By regularly testing yourself for STDs, you ensure that you and your partner remain healthy and safe and can enjoy the excitement and joys of pregnancy in the safest manner possible.
